Process and apparatus for control of two-phase flow to geothermal power plants

Abstract

Method and apparatus for transmitting a two-phase fluid of water and steam from a geothermal well head to a thermal energy use plant. A pipeline with substantially no flow restrictions and a decoupling tank, with the pipeline directly feeding the tank, and the tank feeding the energy use plant. Several embodiments of a decoupling tank including one with separate steam and water outlets, one with an outlet tube within the tank and an outlet slot in the tube at the water level of the tank, and one with a dumbbell-shaped outlet slot with a narrow central portion at the water level.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method of transmitting a two phase fluid of water and steam from a geothermal well head to an energy use plant, which comprises: introducing the two phase fluid from the well head directly into a pipeline having substantially no flow restrictions;   conveying the two phase fluid through the pipeline to a decoupling tank adjacent the energy use plant with no pressure or rate of flow controls, substantially no change in slope, and substantially no vertical rises; and   conveying the water and steam from the decoupling tank to the energy use plant.   
     
     
       2. A method as defined in claim 1 including controlling flow of fluid from the decoupling tank to the energy use plant to provide a substantially constant ratio of water to steam rates of flow. 
     
     
       3. A method as defined in claim 1 including controlling flow of fluid from the decoupling tank to the energy use plant to provide a substantially constant steam pressure to the energy use plant. 
     
     
       4. A method as defined in claim 1 including controlling flow of fluid from the decoupling tank to the energy use plant to provide a substantially constant rate of flow of steam. 
     
     
       5. A method as defined in claim 1 including controlling flow of fluid from the decoupling tank to the energy use plant to provide a substantially constant rate of flow of water. 
     
     
       6. A method as defined in claim 1 including controlling flow of fluid from the decoupling tank to the energy use plant to provide a substantially constant liquid level in the decoupling tank. 
     
     
       7. A method as defined in claim 1 including conveying the water and steam from the decoupling tank to the energy use plant in separate lines. 
     
     
       8. A method as defined in claim 1 including conveying the water and steam from the decoupling tank to the energy use plant in a single line.